The trail begins 1.2 miles up a 4-wheel drive road on the right. About 1/4 mile into the trail, a creek runs across the trail. Look upstream to find a crossing over fallen logs. The beginning of the trail ascends gradually, passing through spruce, fir, aspen, and later lodgepole pine trees. The middle of the trail gets steeper and is still easy to find as it passes by the creek again and some rocky outcroppings. After a rock-laid path in a ditch, the trail opens up to a meadow with rock scree on either side, and then becomes intermittently difficult to find. Keep your eyes open and look around for faint paths below the eastern rock scree, and in the trees. If you do find yourself lost and traveling over the scree, remember that Lost Lake is in the northwest side of the rocky bowl with Red Table Mountain rising in the background. The lake drains to the north and the trail can be found along the creek as you begin your descent. If camping by the lake please try to find a spot at least 100 feet away from the water, and please bury human waste and toilet paper

SPECIAL INTEREST
LOST LAKE - This quiet 5 acre lake is found in a rocky bowl with Red table Mountain rising in the background.

HIKING - This trail offers a peaceful day of hiking and few encounters with other people. An open meadow of wildflowers, the creek, rock slides, and the lake add to the serenity of this trail.

Directions: From Vail, Take I-70 west to the Gypsum exit (#140). Take a left into Gypsum, then a right at the Forest Access sign onto Valley Road, which becomes Gypsum Creek Road, FDR 412. Stay on this road for 18 miles. 1/2 mile after the LEDE Reservoir sign take a right onto an unmarked road. This is a 4-wheel drive, high clearance vehicle only road. It is steep and rocky at places.The trailhead is 1.2 miles up the road on the right. Those with 2-wheel drive only vehicles can park at the bottom of the road and walk to the trailhead.

Elevation: 9,600 feet

Distance: 2.75 miles

Usage: Light

Difficulty: Strenuous

Visitor Information